Depression is known as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks. This is because depression can increase your stress levels and fuel unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet and lack of exercise.

But this doesn’t mean you have no control over your cardiovascular health. In fact, a 2016 study by Intermountain Medical Center found that treating depression can actually reduce a patient’s risk for cardiovascular conditions.

How can depression treatment reduce heart risks?

According to the Intermountain Medical Center study, effective treatment for depression has shown to improve patients’ heart health in the short term and long term. Researchers analyzed the information of 7,550 patients who completed two depression questionnaires over the course of two years.

The study found that patients who were no longer depressed had the same risk rate of developing heart problems (4.6%) as those without depression at all (4.8%).

But those who experienced long-term depression or whose symptoms worsened over the two-year period had an increased risk rate for major cardiovascular problems (6.4%).

Researchers said the study shows effective treatment for depression can help to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems in the short term, not just the long term. But what type of treatment the patients received for their depression is unknown.

Additional results from the same study found that depression symptoms can also impact the changes in the body. These changes can cause heart problems in the short term.

How can I improve my heart health?

Although it isn’t known what treatments for depression work best for reducing the risk for cardiovascular problems, it’s still a good idea to seek treatment for your depression.

Psychiatric care for depression can help to reduce symptoms, which can improve your heart health. Some of the most common and effective treatments for depression and depression symptoms include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Art therapy

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Antidepressants

Anxiolytics

Many people suffering from depression find it helpful to be on medication while also receiving therapy. The medication can help patients manage their symptoms so they’re able to work with their psychologist.

Where can I find an acute psychiatric hospital that fits my needs?

The number of patients diagnosed with depression increases every year by 20%. If you’re looking for an acute psychiatric hospital in Indiana for neuropsychiatric programs, recreational therapy, or occupational therapy, NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals is the place for you. To learn more about our neuropsychiatric programs and our psychiatric care, contact NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals today for more information.

Approximately 11% of adolescents will develop a depressive disorder by the time they reach the age of 18. But sometimes it can take years, even decades, for someone to know and learn about their mental illness or disorder.

This is especially true when signs of a person’s aging process and symptoms of mental illness become confused with one another.

Late Onset Bipolar Disorder

Symptoms of bipolar disorder typically manifest when a person is between the ages of 15 and 24. But symptoms can also worsen over time, especially without therapy.

If you’ve been able to manage your symptoms in the past or if you’ve been misdiagnosed, there’s a chance you may not be aware of your mental illness until your symptoms worsen with age.

For instance, mania in younger patients may present itself as euphoric moods and grandiosity. Mania in elderly patients may present itself as a mixture of manic symptoms and depressive symptoms including a reduced need for sleep and pressured speech.

What Are The Steps I Can Take To Manage Late Onset Bipolar Disorder?

It can be difficult to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder in adults, especially elderly adults. This is because many illnesses that affect elderly patients share similar symptoms.

If you believe you might have bipolar disorder, there are a few steps you can take to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

First, start by visiting a healthcare provider. Because the symptoms of bipolar disorder can also be attributed to other illnesses, it’s important to first ensure you’re not suffering from an illness.

Your healthcare provider can test you for any illnesses and talk to you about medication side-effects that may be causing bipolar-like symptoms.

Next, talk to a mental health professional. If your healthcare provider has determined your symptoms aren’t being caused by an illness or prescription, it may be worth visiting a mental health professional.

Psychiatric doctors can help you understand your symptoms. You can also get the treatment you need to continue living a healthy life.

NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals can provide different types of treatment and therapy including family therapy and art therapy for a variety of different mental illnesses and disorders. To learn more about family therapy, psychiatric care, and what goes into our psychiatric acute treatment programs, contact NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals today.

With everything we now know about mental health, it’s no surprise that all kinds of treatment methods — both medicinal and therapeutic — have emerged. In some cases, the benefits of therapy may equal or even outweigh what traditional pharmaceuticals can provide. Because of this, therapy has become an essential part of mental health treatment for countless patients all over the world. Even for those who are suffering from physical pain (for example, during a hospital stay after surgery) can benefit both mentally and emotionally from certain types of therapeutic methods. Since the mid-20th century, art therapy has emerged as a unique way to address mental health concerns and has been embraced by hospitals, inpatient mental health facilities, and other healthcare centers.

What exactly is art therapy?

The American Art Therapy Association describes this practice as using “the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages.” The idea of this type of therapy is based on the idea that “the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.”

That’s quite a bit to take in. Amazingly, something so simple as creating art could help all people — whether they are in need of intensive psychiatric care or are experiencing substantial stress and anxiety from a professional or personal situation — work through their problems and gain a better understanding of themselves.

What’s involved in the average therapy session involving art?

This type of therapy initially came about when medical professionals found that those suffering from mental health issues often expressed their emotions through art, such as personal drawings. This practice later evolved into a healing strategy and is even used in mental health assessments.

This type of therapy is used with individuals of all ages — from young children to senior citizens. It’s also used in a variety of facilities, including hospitals, healthcare facilities, community centers, and schools. Art therapists will use different types of art-making methods with patients. Sometimes, a session may involve drawing or painting, while other therapists will utilize collage-making or sculpting.

However, this type of session is not merely an art class. Instead of focusing on improving your artistic skills or drawing inspiration from a still life, those who participate in this type of therapy will focus on their inner experiences. That refers to creating art based on an individual’s own feelings, thoughts, ideas, and imaginations. That’s really where the importance lies, as this can provide a patient with a way to work through trauma, fear, anxiety, stress, grief, anger, and a host of other emotions.

Who can benefit from this type of therapy?

Just about anyone can experience the benefits of creating art, but art therapy can be of particular help to certain demographics. Individuals who have a history of emotional trauma, severe stress, depression, anxiety, physical or mental abuse or violence, behavioral problems, brain injuries, and other mental health considerations may find this type of therapy to be extremely beneficial.

It’s also important to note that mental health issues and their treatments come with immense stigmas, even today. Some people do not wish to take medication or have trouble finding the right pharmaceutical solution. In some cases, these may not even be an appropriate course of action. Considering that only two-thirds of adults and one-fifth of teenagers receive treatment for anxiety, this can be an extremely approachable, non-medicinal way to embark on the recovery process for many people.

Although art may be dismissed by some as frivolous, more people now understand the essential role it plays in our culture and in our emotional well-being. To learn additional information about our art therapy offerings or other kinds of therapeutic methods, go to our Facebook page or contact us today.

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that distorts a person’s perceived reality including how they express emotions and relate to others. Compared to the 350 million people around the world affected by some form of depression, approximately 2.2 million Americans are currently living with schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia can be difficult to cope with because it can affect your memory, mood, behavior, and sense of motivation. However, managing schizophrenia is possible through treatments such as medication and neuropsychiatric programs.

4 Tips For Coping With Schizophrenia

There are different types of schizophrenia and one person’s symptoms may differ from yours. Your schizophrenia treatment and coping mechanisms for your symptoms are best to be individualized to your specific needs.

That said, consider the following tips to help you cope with your symptoms as needed.

Don’t buy into the stigma surrounding schizophrenia. There are many misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia and it’s all too easy to buy into the fear that’s created by them. Although you need to take your condition seriously, it’s just as important that you don’t buy into the myths associated with your diagnosis.

Learn about your diagnosis. Knowledge is the best medicine when you fear the unknown. The more you understand your diagnosis, the easier it’ll be to understand why you think and act the way you do when under stress. This can also help with reducing paranoia and delusions surrounding how you feel about your friends and family.

Communicate with your doctor. Look for a doctor you trust. Once you’ve found the right doctor for you, communicate with them openly to ensure you’re getting the right type and the right dose of medication you need to manage your condition. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have and any side effects you may be experiencing with your medication.

Try your hand at therapy. Medication can help you manage your symptoms, but therapy can also help. Professional therapy can be supportive and help teach you how to manage stress, change your ways of thinking, and challenge irrational thoughts or behaviors.

Inpatient neuropsychiatric programs help many people learn to cope with and manage their neuropsychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, impulse disorder, and schizophrenia. To learn more about psychiatric care programs such as art therapy and recreational therapy, contact NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals today.

Anxiety disorders are considered the most common type of mental illness in the U.S. (affecting 18% of the population). However, schizophrenia is nearly four times more likely to affect the U.S. population with mental retardation or developmental disability (MR/DD).

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Those with schizophrenia may feel out of touch with reality, which can have negative effects on the person’s health choices and social interaction.

What are the health risks involved for those with schizophrenia?

Those who suffer from schizophrenia have been shown to have a life expectancy 15 to 20 years shorter than the national average. This higher mortality rate is mostly due to the fact that those with untreated schizophrenia have a higher risk of poor health.

This isn’t to say those who have schizophrenia are unhygienic. Rather, certain lifestyle choices such as heavy smoking, heavy drinking, poor diet, and lack of social interaction can increase risks for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Additionally, these lifestyle choices can play a role in chronic and incidental wounds. For instance, during a period of active psychosis, a person with schizophrenia may commit self-injury. However, lifestyle choices such as poor diet and high alcohol intake may also cause wounds such as diabetic leg and foot ulcers.

These types of wounds, especially chronic wounds, can put a significant burden on the individual with schizophrenia. What’s more, the collagen production and angiogenesis that are necessary for the body to heal chronic and incidental wounds can become inhibited by the individual’s alcohol intake and smoking. Therefore, not only are chronic and incidental wounds more likely to occur but they’re also more likely to have delayed healing.

When should I seek treatment for schizophrenia?

First, it’s essential that you understand your diagnosis and that you don’t buy into the stigma surrounding schizophrenia. Second, it’s important to seek psychiatric care with an experienced neuropsychiatric hospital once you’ve received your diagnosis.

This is because an experienced neuropsychiatric hospital can provide you with the treatment you want and the health care you need. Not only can neuropsychiatric programs help you live a healthier life, but they can also reduce the risk of chronic and incidental wounds.

NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals offers a wide variety of neuropsychiatric programs to help those with schizophrenia. For more information, contact NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals today.

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NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals provide the highest quality care for each patient. Our staff of highly trained professionals puts patient care first as we seek to help patients through treatment and a return to their lives.